Telling Fortunes By Tea Leaves | Page 9

such symbols as a crescent moon,
clover leaves, flowers, trees, anchors, fruit, circles, stars.
Having learned the symbols and the combined symbols by heart, it will
require only a little practice to interpret their meanings without
hesitation. For those who find difficulty in committing the dictionary to
memory, an essential for proficient reading of the cup, I would suggest
that they write down any meaning which may seem specially hard to
remember, roughly drawing its symbol beside it. In this way the
difficulty will soon be overcome.


CHAPTER VII
THE "NELROS" CUP
TWO EXAMPLE READINGS OF ITS SIGNS
"If thou wouldst learn thy future with thy tea, This magic cup will show
it thee."
Some readers may find an additional interest in divination by tea-leaves,
if they use a cup marked with the planetary symbols, patented as the
"Nelros Cup of Fortune." A short explanation of the symbols, and the
method of using this cup, will be helpful for those who are not familiar
with its signs. I am not suggesting the use of the "Nelros" saucer, for
the reason that its signs are somewhat obscure, and students who have
no experience in the science of astrology would find it confusing, if

used in addition to the cup, in which all needful signs are illustrated.
As in the case of the ordinary tea-cup, the handle remains as the
representative of the consultant. The turning of it and draining of the
moisture should be carried out in the usual way.
Immediately under the handle, and above the space given to the Sun,
are seen a Diamond and a Horseshoe. Next on the left are a Snake
twisted round a stick, and a Spade, these being placed over the space
given to Saturn.
Following them are a Bell and a Club, seen over the sign of Venus.
Next, an Eye and Envelope, above the space given to Jupiter.
Then comes a Cross, with the sign of Pisces, the Fishes, these being
over the sign of Mercury.
Next are a Winecup and a Spider above the space of Mars.
Followed by a Cat's Head and a Heart, above the Moon.
Each one of these signs round the brim has a symbolic meaning, though
their meaning must also be judged by the position they occupy in the
cup.
Now, taking the signs round the brim of the cup, and connecting them
with the planetary symbols beneath.
Beginning at the handle is a Diamond, this being a token of wealth,
which, with the sign of the Sun below, indicates much prosperity,
favours, and general well-being, the Horseshoe over the Sun also
betokening good luck and successful projects.
In the next space, reading to the left, is the Snake twisted round a stick,
over the sign of Saturn. This is emblematical of a risk of poverty
coming through deceit, and with a Spade over Saturn, whose
characteristic is privation, there is a further indication of toil, loss,
undoing.

The next sign is a happier one; the Bell over the sign of Venus, with the
Club beyond, indicates joyful news, events meaning much happiness,
love and peace, the characteristic of Venus being peace or placidity.
Next is the sign of Jupiter, whose characteristic is expansion; above it
are placed an Eye and an Envelope, the Eye showing the power of
penetration, seeing things in a right perspective, and light thrown on
difficult questions, the letter showing that news from all parts of the
world is made possible by its expansion.
Next come the Latin Cross and the watery sign Pisces, the Fishes.
These being in connection with Mercury, whose characteristic is
activity, show much alertness and desire for knowledge; the Cross
meaning obstacles and hindrances in the chosen path, whilst the sign of
Pisces denotes interesting news from distant lands, with much desire
for travel and exploration.
In the next space the Winecup and Spider, in connection with the sign
of Mars, the characteristic of Mars being energy, show the strength,
courage, and perseverance needed to carry out a successful career; the
Spider being a symbol of concentration, patience, and achievement,
whilst the Wine-cup tells of joy and realised ambition.
Following these signs are the Cat's Head and the Heart, with the
Crescent Moon below. The characteristic of the Moon is change,
mobility; it is also a symbol of good fortune in the tea-leaves. In
combination with the Heart it indicates a romantic love affair. The Cat's
Head shows interference by those who are mean and spiteful.
Having learned from this brief explanation the symbols of the "Nelros
Cup," the reading of the tea-leaves in relation to those symbols will be
easy. For instance, suppose the wife of a sailor to be the consultant. Her
husband is on his ship in the North Sea, and she is